Close call
Beta: Old man of the mountain/Darklord331
The entire student council was visiting Shirley's father after the Narita incident, all he had was a broken leg that can be healed in a month but the outcome was different as Suzaku preaches how wrong it was the Corps causing the landslide that involved civilians as a one side massacre.
Even Rai and Kallen felt uncomfortable from Suzaku accusation but Lelouch told to be quiet that he was in a presence of a patient and shouldn't talk about this. Suzaku apologize but doesn't mean he would forgive Zero.
Even if Lelouch pointed out that the civilians were evacuated as he heard rumors and those that died were soldiers as it was their duty putting their life on the line.
Suzaku understands but doesn't mean he like it.
Xxx
At night at the hospital when it was quiet Joseph Fennette open his eyes and saw the masked man Zero at the window as he quietly sneak inside.
"Shsss you don't want anyone to find out. I suggest you be quiet."
"Why are you here?" Joseph was hyperventilating as never once thought that Zero would come.
"To ask a few questions." He pull out a familiar picture of the green hair girl " Do you know this girl?"
"No, never seen her my entire life?" He quickly denied shaking his head but was sweating and shocking that Zero got a picture of the subject. Lelouch could tell he was lying he could hear the man heart beat beating faster.
"Next question why are you in Narita is there a secret lab there that conduct code R?"
"What lab theirs, nothing their at all?" Joseph sweating even more.
"Next question does this involve with prince Clovis as his the one recruiting you and others including funding the project " Joseph heart beating even faster "That's crazy why would prince Clovis hire a nobody like me".
"Last question, did you know she wasn't normal?"
The scientist eyes widen like dinner saucer as he didn't say anything at all.
"I see." Lelouch could already made speculation as this girl C.C. was captured by Clovis and his royal guard and found about her immortality tried to find how she ticks and desperately used her ability to gain the throne.
I have everything I need, and I advise if you tell anyone what you saw and heard today your family might be involved" as Zero leaps from the window and disappear into the night like a phantom.
Joseph released a breath knowing Zero was gone but at the same time a dreaded feeling that he already got it whatever Zero wanted. But for the sake of his family safety he would never reveal what he saw and talk today.
XXX
Lelouch has return and got good info about Joseph Fennete it still made him feel dirty using Shirley name to treated the man, but he got a bit of information about what Clovis was doing. But as right now C.C. was waiting for him knowing it's about her.
"Got what you wanted"
"I did not much but I did, I learned that Clovis and those he trusted was conducting and experiment involving you, ironic as it sounds the lab was located around Narita but all of it were buried but you knew about didn't tell me".
"I have no reason to tell, unless you made a contract with me first." C.C. didn't felt threatened at all.
"Why are insist I made contract? It's like demanding it"
The immortal just looks sad. "You won't understand "
"Try me?"
"I'm immortal life can be lonely knowing you can't die, those you know and live would wither away leaving you all alone, not just that you can't even live a normal life and had to move from place to place hiding from the world."
Lelouch knew about immortality as Muzan wanted such a thing to become the perfect being how he would turn anyone into his own pawns and discarded them, such a thought remind of his old self the feeling he would use others for his own benefits even though it was his own imagination.
"I know person like you, he wanted immortality so much that he became a demon, he used others, killing and discarding anyone who deem him useless. But unlike him at lest you being honest for exchange and that is something."
C.C. eyes widen that Lelouch knew another immortal "Who is this immortal you speak."
"Someone very dangerous be glad you didn't meet him , as he would do anything to get your immortality". Lelouch shiver the thought of Muzan eating C.C. flesh to gain her immortality.
C.C. knew she won't get any more answered decided to change topic "Do you feel guilty what happen to the father".
"What do you want to say C.C. , is this about what happen to Shirley father are you trying to guilt trip me?"
"Kinda, didn't you accuse of Kirihara being soft".
"That I did but if I seal my emotion I'll no better than the demons that hunts human for sports , I will still fight my enemies with my own way but I won't turn or look away of the damaged I done, the soldiers I killed and those that join the corps might died in our fight."
"Knowing those enemy soldiers die by your hands during the landslide"
"Yes, but I'm not that naïve, as soldiers it's their duty to lay their life on the line. I know not everything can be solved by talking, sometimes fighting is the only way." Lelouch knows Tanjiro may be naïve but he wasn't that stupid to know sometimes fighting was the only way.
C.C. was truly speechless the boy was already a man but deep down she knew he was holding his emotion just like her a façade so that no one would know the real person underneath that masked.
"You, could try talking to me open up, more it could help." Lelouch suggested
"I think about it." As the immortal left towards her room leaving Lelouch to ponder of the information he gain.
ASEEC Base
"I have some news, Suzaku. We've just got word from Cornelia's Royal Guard. We're on deck for the next operation." Lloyd told him.
Suzaku looked at him in surprise.
"Are they acknowledging your skill or do they need another decoy?" Lloyd asked nonchalantly.
"Oh Lloyd, care for another lesson in proper social etiquette? You look like you have some time to kill." Cecile asked him kindly as she brought in some tea.
"Oh, I'll have to take a pass on that." Knowing what kind of ingredient she used to make tea, it's a question of how she could make tea that bizarre with simple ingredients.
Suzaku was surprise that Lord Guilford would choose him for this operation but the feeling knew that he was just a pawn.
"A knight of round?!" Guildford was surprise that a knight of his majesty was coming to area 11 to help with the situation.
"Yes, Guilford his majesty has informed me that due to recent my failures it was appropriate to send a round to assist with area 11 terrorist situation". Cornelia informing Guilford about what happen in Pendragon after her arrival? As the Emperor declared that he would send a round because of her constant failure.
"But this is an insult to your honor your highness! " Guilford knew how his princess works hard to reach her status being a commander of her own army and knight like her idol.
"I know but that's not important now"
Guilford was shock hearing his princess didn't felt anger of the insults as it was a Tuesday news "That's not important! What's more important your highness beside a knight of round?!"
"Listen I'm uncovering something that's a connection to the Lamperouge siblings but I can't talk here now Guilford theirs eyes and ears are everywhere."
"Why your highness?"
"Please Just trust me. I tell you when it's safe and continue with the operation in my absence and tell Darlton to protect Euphemia".
"Yes your highness as we will protect Princess Euphemia with our very lives."
"Thank you." The called then was hang, Guilford was starting to question what is happening to his princess as she's gone the strict demeanor of a warrior was replace to a Nancy drew. "Zero what did you do to my lady" that was the question Guilford thought.
" No, matter what's important is to finish the accursed resistance first in my lady name".
"Wait a second, Zero. I realize this is a request from Kyoto. I think we can definitely handle it. And I'm pretty sure that Japan Liberation Front would rather join with us than flee to foreign soil in all." Ohgi tried to reason with Zero
"You are the one who brought us this information. Diethard, wasn't it?" Zero asked their new guest, who was currently having guns pointed at him.
"That's right. It is an honor that you'd meet me like this, Zero." Diethard said stoically as wasn't even afraid at all.
"So, Guilford and going to deploy the Royal Marines on General Katase at the Japan Liberation Front, is that correct?" Zero asked.
"Yes. The network was already poised to broadcast a special report on it."
"Lieutenant General Tohdoh will never make it Katase in time. Which means that Japan Liberation Front has no military strength right now. Their only chance of escape is the liquid Sakuradite they're carrying." Zero said.
Which is why we should help General Katase escape." Ohgi argued.
"Ohgi, who are we?" Zero asked him in a determined manner.
"We...we are the Demon Slayer corps of Kimetsu, Zero." Ohgi said surprised.
"Then we have but one task. We will stop what remains of troops. And in doing so, rescue the remnants of the JLF. Tonight, we gain the rest of what was left behind at Narita. But first I'm going to talk with Katase first if he has a plan" Zero said with determination.
"What are the chances if he doesn't ?" Ohgi asked seriously.
"We don't know if we don't ask but we improvise?" Zero asked matter of factly.
"Understood."
"Begin preparations. You all have your orders to carry out."
Britannia Army Base
"Just so you know, the viceroy has reservations about using the numbers. But 'use every able body', I always say, even if it's the son of the former prime minister." Darlton told Suzaku professionally.
The title made Suzaku uncomfortable, but he kept his composure. "Our target is Katase. Take him out and the Japan Liberation Front is finished. We are sending in a Royal Marines. Your job will be to provide supporting fire from the shore until the Marines have Katase. As well as annihilating any stragglers left over." Darlton explained further.
"Uh… I'm to annihilate them, sir?"
"Nobody but the target is to survive. Is that clear?" Darlton sternly told him.
"Uh…" Suzaku stuttered, not sure how to answer the General.
"Warrant Officer Kururugi, show your loyalty to the crown. This is your chance to get ahead in the world, soldier." Darlton told him as he walked away, but for him was nothing more than a test towards the eleven pilot loyalty.
"Understood, my Lord." Suzaku was conflicted knowing he was force to take a life.
Zero was meeting with the General it was easy to sneak when you can jump high and quietly as The General was surprised at first but resign as the JLF is between a rock and a hard place now. Lelouch already had an idea as he distributed everyone in the JLF prototype scuba tank as it was small but enough to swim quietly undetected when the chaos happening.
He asked how the entire harbor was surrounded as such he prepared away and escape plan for the JLF.
"That's when we used this tank full with Sakuradite as a reverse empty fortress strategy" Zero said.
"Excuse me what?"
"You know of the infamous Zhuge Liang empty fort strategy" Zero pointed ou tat the General if he knew of the story
"I know it's the basic art of war that I learn" Katase knew as he read about the Art of War during his past time.
"As such were going to use a reverse empty fort".
Later that night
Warehouse further from the action , Kallen couldn't wait any longer, she had to talk to Zero. But when she opened the doors, Lelouch was leaning on the wall with his sword on his chest like a Ronin.
"Who's there?" Zero asked.
"I-I'm sorry, I'll go." Kallen said in embarrassment. She turned to leave.
"Second thoughts?" Zero asked her, stopping Kallen in her tracks. She stood there in silence for a few moments.
"I thought that the goal was justice. The only reason I've fought until now is because I thought it was the right thing to do. So I could live with the killing, but now…Tell me. Is this real? Is what we are all doing here really going to change the world for the better?" Kallen asked him, practically begging for an answer.
"Yes, it will, or rather we must change too the world. Will there be sacrifices? Not only just soldiers but the innocent were caught as well. We don't have the power to prevent such tragedy knowing " Zero told her. Kallen grunted at that, wishing that last part wasn't his answer. "And yet, because of all these things, we have no choice but to move forward. Kallen we don't have the power to for saw innocent people that may caught with our war, it's murphy's laws."
"Anything go wrong will go wrong "she knew about from the class teaching "
"We have to move forward. If that means more blood will be shed, so be it. We've spilled so much to get here. I can't let it be in vain." Kallen looked down, taking in his words.
"But I won't force you, Kallen. If you wish to turn back, now is the time." He told her at the end.
Kallen thought about it, about all she's done for her people, how much change has happened because of the Demon Slayer Corps, she knew Lelouch wasn't the type to say sweet things only harsh truth.
Kallen smiled, having made up her mind. "I've made my choice. I'll follow you to the very end." Kallen told him with determination if she backed away now all the sacrifice would be in vain.
"Thank you, Kallen." Zero said to her gently. Which definitely cheered her up. "One more thing Kallen." He said to her.
"Uh, yes Zero?" Kallen asked in confusion.
"You mentioned you had friends at the school you attended. Do you truly care for them?" Zero asked her.
This surprised Kallen, but she answered truth fully. "Y-yes Zero, I really do."
"Then be grateful for that. Few people have what you have Kallen, you must always cherish it." Lelouch told her in a wise manner. Knowing it was true she had everything caring family, a place to called home and friends.
"...I will, thank you Lelouch." Kallen said happily.
Rai heard everything as he wanted to have a talk with Lelouch about what happen to Shirley father but knew theirs something not even they could prevent , hearing this a certain memory kept coming a vision of a group of people whom were Japanese force to fighting war with both casualties.
Xxx
Meanwhile, C.C. sat at the dining room table with Nunnally at the Ashford Clubhouse as she made origami with the disabled girl, who didn't notice the contemplating look on the immortal's face. She had remembered how welcoming Lelouch, and Rai, were of her, despite them being distrustful of her at first She glanced out the window as a look of frustration formed on her face.
'What am I doing?' She thought to herself so Nunnally couldn't hear. 'I just can't afford to make the same mistake here all over again.'
A man dressed in white with a visor over his eyes and a set of headphones over his ears walked through the park. He smiled as he had finally found the person he was looking for. He was waiting an opportunity would present itself, one he wouldn't hesitate to exploit.
Viletta walked around their peers, with a file of Lelouch Lamperouge on her person. She had meet Shirley Fennete the family victims and told her that the boy was suspected involved with the Black knights that he might be a member and provide intel. And of course the girl denied that he was involved but her curiosity got the beter of her as such Shirley follow Lelouch while being follow by the former pureblood.
"Damn it, I lost him." Villetta said angrily to herself. "My gut is telling me this boy is connected somewhat. Maybe even finding out who Zero is."
XXX
"It's time!" "Begin the operation!"
With that announcement, the Portland Knightmares dove into the water the tanker that supposedly had the JLF inside, with seven Burais along the deck of the ship, supposedly on standby.
Suzaku watched from the Lancelot as he stood alongside set of Sutherlands
The Portland Knightmares underwater shot their torpedoes and blew up the underwater wall, allowing them to move towards the moving tanker.
Shirley saw the explosion from a distance and looked in horror. "Oh my god… terrorists!?"
Villetta however kept a close eye on her, if need be, she'd pull the girl out if this got too hairy. However, she still needed her to draw out the student she was looking for.
XXX
Britannian solders from boarded onto the ship, bringing the total to twenty. Once they were all on-board, they quickly start searching and shoot to kill.
"Vessel is secured, Lord Guilford." The soldier reported. "No sign of the Demon Slayers."
However, as the Britannia soldiers continued to search the entirety of the ship, they had yet to encounter the enemy at all. In fact, every room they searched was empty. Even the captain's quarters was empty, save for the running controls that made it look as though the ship had someone at the helm, only for it to be moving on its own.
There were no pilots inside the Burai, much to their confusion.
"Lord Guilford !" One Britannia soldier reported. "There is nobody on the ship! It's completely empty and not even inside the nightmares!"
"Empty?!" Darlton exclaimed.
"Empty!?" Even Guildford Guilford, voiced in complete shock.
Even Suzaku looked in surprise as he heard the report. "It's empty…?! Why? A decoy?" as nobody suspect anything before it was to late.
"Nothing personal!" Zero pressed the button on the trigger.
*BOOM!*
The entire tanker lit up in a massive and gargantuan explosion of bright blue light that not only killed all Britannia soldiers on the ship, including the Portland Knightmares that surrounded it, but sent a massive shockwave that rocked the entire area.
"We're going to Create a diversion . Knowing Britannia are still recovering from what happen Narita make sure the remnants of JLF escape. And show them our strength and determination remember were buying time! ." Zero announce
"Right!" Kallen said from inside her Guren that was currently on its way, along with a few other knightmares, to the docks inside a cruiser.
XXX
"This is like Narita all over again."
Diethard was ecstatic seeing how the battle started. "It's outstanding!" Diethard said before going down the ladder.
"Hey, get back here!" Ohgi yelled after him.
"The JLF was just bait. Their command is wide open now. One of the oldest tricks in the book!" Diethard thought to himself in excitement.
"Where are you going? Hey!" Ohgi called after him, firing off a few bullets, none of them hitting Diethard.
"It makes perfect sense! He wants to cripple his enemy's defenses using the Liberation Front as a living trap! He's excellent material, this Zero! He's chaos incarnate! More, show me more of your genius! Let your ego engulf the world! Hahahaha! HAHAHAHA!" Diethard thought to himself in crazy enthusiasm.
XXX
The crusier crashes onto the docks, taking out a few knightmares with them. Zero, Kallen, and a couple of other knightmares popped out, starting to battle the Britannians.
"2-0-4 signal lost!"
"Erickson, form up with 3-0-8! Provide support!"
"All unit, Status report!"
"I repeat, What is your status!?" Soldiers all said to each other.
"Why would the General kill himself? It doesn't make any sense." Suzaku thought to himself as the battle raged on. That was just a bluff that Zero said out loud.
"Mount up now! And form a defensive of line, on the double!" Darlton ordered as he mounted his own knightmare.
"How did they know we were here!? Guilford asked angrily.
"Knock their Knightmares into the sea before the pilots can mount!"
"Yes sir!" Kallen complied as she took out more knightmares.
As Lelouch took down knightmares with ease as the pilots couldn't get enough time to prepared as it was shooting ducks in a barrel until it arrive again the familiar white knightmare.
"Zero, your methods are not going to change anything. You focused on goals, and don't understand the pain of others." Suzaku said in anger
"Zero!" Kallen shouted, wanting to provide cover
"Stop! I handle the Lancelot, you provide help with the others" As Lelouch unsheathed his blade, even in the knightmare Suzaku felt like he was facing a giant and couldn't win. Kallen understood and left. Leaving just Lelouch and Suzaku.
"These are people's lives you're playing with. You're nothing but a murderer!" Suzaku said anger
"Your delusion those are soldiers they knew they will die in the line of duty same as you. Aren't you one of them as a soldier yourself knew the risk".
"Shut up!" as the Lancelot fired two of it's slash harkens only for Zero easily dodged and cut the cables severing the Lancelot weapons.
"Why do you keep spilling people's blood without meaning?" He took a container and threw at Zero, but he easily dodged it.
"Their soldiers they spill more blood than you ever know, or are you denied that?"
"If it wasn't for you!"
"For what humiliating you are a child throwing a tantrum." Lancelot dash trying to Grab Zero using it's speed.
"First form thunderclap and flash!" as the Lancelot fall down again knowing the attack was to fast for even the knightmare to see and dodged, Llyod did try installing a more powerful sensor but even that wasn't enough "No not again! Why" Suzaku keep bashing the control in anger
"Zero the mission was a success we rescued general Katase," Minami said through the coms
"Good everyone retreats to the rendezvous we'll talk more tomorrow."
"Copy that."
"Zero stop running you coward!"
"Until the next time" as he was gone in the shadow.
XXX
The plan was successful as Britannia lost their troops and morale was down knowing three loss because of Zero would question Britannia superiority and at the same time the corps would gain more fame and recruits.
Lelouch was already far as he removed his mask to get some fresh's air "It seems the mission was a success with little casualties that's; good" but he didn't felt like they win knowing that Suzaku was a pilot of the enemy side, in truth Lelouch didn't want to fight Suzaku.
Click
Was the sound of a gun pointing at him " So your Zero." as Vilette reveal herself pointing the gun at Lelouch. "Never thought that Zero was truly a Britannia student, the thought that he was an eleven was false".
"Do I know you?"
"Don't play dumb, I know your the one that knock me out and stole my knightmare"
Zero didn't show any emotion but he now remembers the same women he stole her knightmare at the place that it all began.
"Don't move, your under arrest and I doubt you can dodge a bullet this range." Vilette was grinning knowing she going to get a noble title for capturing Zero.
"I don't think so" another voice was heard from the shadow.
"Whose their?" as she look around and saw a boy with Silver hair. Rai body move in autopilot like his body move on his own "You will forget whoever you are." A familiar red rings appear on the women eyes and then she collapses on the floor.
When Rai regained his senses he was shocked what he did
"Rai what did you do?" that was Zero question to his brother in sword arms.
At the same time a certain girl saw everything and didn't know what to do as she quickly move slowly and run away in the quiet night.
This is not much battle since Cornelia is gone leaving on Guilford and Darlton commanding her army. Mao will make his move as using Shirley as his puppet.